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Durham County Library Hosts Author Ashley Bryan for a Celebration of Spirituals

Program: A Celebration of SpiritualsDate: Wednesday, June 5Time: 7 p.m.Location: Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St.Cost: Free and open to the public

About: Durham County Library will host noted author and illustrator Ashley Bryan, the 100 Men in Black Chorus and Rev. Dr. Luke Powery for an evening event celebrating spirituals in lecture, pictures and song. Bryan, 89, is the illustrator and author of many award winning children’s books including two illustrated books of spirituals. The 100 Men in Black Chorus will sing spirituals with Dr. Paula Harrell accompanying, and Powery, dean of the Duke Chapel, will give historical context.
A book and CD signing will follow the celebration, which will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5 at the Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St.

Bryan’s work draws upon African-American traditions and folklore and has won numerous awards. He has been a prominent figure in children’s literature for more than 40 years. Directed by Marion E. West, 100 Men in Black is an all-male chorus with members of all ages and ethnicities from throughout the Triangle. The chorus is renowned for its gospel music. In addition to serving as the dean of Duke Chapel, Powery is an associate professor of the practice of homiletics at Duke Divinity School.

This program is sponsored by Durham Library Foundation, the St. Joseph Historic Foundation: Hayti Heritage Center and Alazar Press. For more information, contact Joanne Abel at 919-560-0268.

Durham County Library encourages Discovery, connects the Community and leads in Literacy. As a department of Durham County Government, the library furthers Goal 1 of the county’s Strategic Plan by enhancing cultural, educational and creative opportunities. For more information about the library, visit durhamcountylibrary.org.